Kirilenko wants to play ball in Russia

Maybe this is working!! Sloan played lots of bench players tonight and they
scored a total of over 30 combined points. They'll leave when their ready. Go
Jazz!

True JazzFan

Sept. 24, 2007 9:08 p.m.

AK, so you won a big one for Russia and was MVP. Great job! That is something to
be proud about. However, the big show is here in the NBA, where the talent is
abundant. There is no I in team and if you cannot work together with your mates
it's all about you. I respect coach Slone for his dedication and desire to win.
Remember, all those that left before you because they felt they could not play
in the Utah system are no where to be found. AK, if you do not fit than, Hasta
la vista...baby!

Darl McBride

Sept. 22, 2007 4:47 p.m.

I say let him go. I found him very fishy ever since I found out he was friendly
with Amaechi.

We dont need no stinking guys who can read, we need
Sloan guys.

Between staying in Utah of some place like Barcelona or
Milan for about 4-5million tax free per year, and way less games, its not even a
choice.

Jazz????

Sept. 22, 2007 2:52 p.m.

Will never win title. No doubt about it.

AK better get a good lawyer

Sept. 22, 2007 8:22 a.m.

He will not be playing ball in Russia until he satisfies (some way) his contract
with the Jazz. That will not be easy or cheap for him. The Jazz have no choice
but to make it very difficult--otherwise prima donnas around the league would
take note and hold their teams hostage more than they already do. The Jazz are
living up to their end of the deal by paying AK and if AK has any integrity at
all he should live up to his end. He should come back, play hard, and wait for
a trade. All he has done at this point is make himself look like a whining Euro
pansie who can not play in the sandbox so he is gone home to pout. What a puss.

Get ready to play hardball (if you won't play basketball) AK--the
Jazz lawyers will be contacting you if you do not show up at camp. Your first
contact will probably/should be a huge fine for breech of contract!!!

Let Kirelenko go back to Russia. It's embarassing that he's the highest paid
player on the Jazz considering the Jazz have Williams, Boozer, and Memo. All he
really wants to do is play Xbox 360 all night long with his cronies. Max money
player averaging 8 points a game?

Frank Layden and Tom Nissalke won "Coach of the Year" honors. Either one
of them "better" than Sloan? Nope.

Winning NBA "Coach of the Year"
is like being elected cheerleader in junior high: part luck, part being "cute."
It's a popularity contest, plain and simple.

Apparently Jerry Sloan
is not lucky or cute and, with some "Weiner Boys," not particularly popular,
but, Jerry Sloan is one heckuva coach and a good man.

To date, Coach
Sloan has not won "Coach of the Year." John Stockton and Karl Malone never won
an NBA championship. Yet, when AK and the rest of the "Weiner Boys" are long
forgotten Sloan, Stockton, and Malone will be remembered as three of the best
ever to be associated with the game.

GNM

Sept. 21, 2007 10:59 p.m.

Who sets players salaries anyway? Does the player? Who determined Kirilenko
should get the maximum allowable? Was it our capable, visionary Jazz
management? Surely in their wisdom they had criteria for the decision.

Where does the money to pay Kirilenko's salary come from? Does all that
money really come from the pockets of Utah people who write so wonderfully?

What an impressive group? Profoundly capable; amazing wisdom,insight
and understanding! I guess there is no doubt as to the reasons AK wants out; no
wonder Sloan is still here. Do what you can Jazz. Here's hoping you don't lose
anymore starters. Here's hoping you find away to help the youngsters develop.

Cooling down

Sept. 21, 2007 10:12 p.m.

I have decided that it is pointless to comment any more about this subject,
because nothing is going to change. Let me paint a picture: Next season, AK
will stay in Utah, Sloan will still be coaching. No blockbuster trades will
happen, and Miller's not going to cut AK loose out of his contract.

Big surprise.

Seattle Jazz Fan

Sept. 21, 2007 10:01 p.m.

To "the LA Jazz fan" and "the other LA Jazz fan". You guys are studs! My two
favorite teams are the Utah Jazz and any team that beats LA.

As a
side note, I'm sure that it would never fly in the NBA but if it were up to me I
would dispense with the outragiously high guaranteed contracts and offer
moderate guaranteed money with a good share of he money performance based. That
might be the answer to guys failing ot stay motivated when they get the big
deal. Like I said, the players union would never allow contracts like this but
it would solve these types of problems.

As for Kirilenko, I just keep
hoping that he will come around and decide that he has as much of a chance of
winning a title here as anywhere else and if he is willing to play the role it
just might happen. With him at full speed, we are a pretty good team.

Replace Sloan?

Sept. 21, 2007 9:47 p.m.

I haven't heard anybody name a Sloan replacement. That's because decent coaches
a few and far between.

Here's what would happen if Sloan were
fired: immediately everyone would go into a panic. Because who are you going to
hire to replace Sloan?

Let me hear just one name. One guy who could
come in and do the job Sloan has done.

Organizations who fire guys
like Sloan fall apart. Most teams are coaching carousels because A) they are
idiots and won't leave a team/staff together long enough to see if they can play
and B) there aren't any coaches like Jerry Sloan around and these teams keep
looking for one.

Firing sloan would be the beginning of the end.
There are only so many legends to go around fellas.

Sloan took the Jazz to the playoffs every single year until his main go-to guy
was Andrei Kirilenko.

Jazz Gazer

Sept. 21, 2007 9:05 p.m.

Serious PR Issues, Your long list is awfully long -- two names. One is at the
twilight of his career and probably would have stayed if it weren't for his
daughter's illness. The other is a selfish prima donna who wants more shots
even though he can't shoot. Sloan would like more players like Fisher. He
could use AK if he hustles and does what he does best -- rebounding, quick
inside dishes, blocks and steals. But the exact opposite of Sloan's ideal Jazz
player is a selfish prima donna who complains more than he performs. We could
use somebody like Magic Johnson, who gave up salary in order to get another good
player on the Lakers' roster. That's because he wanted to win, not score more
points.

Netmaster

Sept. 21, 2007 8:50 p.m.

Sloan critics: You conveniently ignore records, statistics, history, facts and
reality. Just look at the players the Jazz have lost to other teams -- most
couldn't did nothing. The best of them didn't seem to improve under other
coaches. I'm thinking of Keefe, Russell, Shandon Anderson, Eisley, Les, Rudd
and others. The best players we lost were in expansion drafts: Curry and
Pavlovic. The Jazz were too good for their own good. They never had a lottery
pick until Deron Williams, and O'Connor, Sloan and Miller took grief for picking
him over C Paul. Remember, the fans booed when Utah picked Stockton.

AK is fun to watch when he hustles, but it's painful to see him try to create
off the dribble because shoots poorly and makes many turnovers. Unless he
improves his attitude and gives 100% in trying for steals, blocks and rebounds,
we don't need him. Andre would shoot no better if he got more shots; he didn't
shoot better when he was our main guy. Take away his dunks, and he's a 30-35%
shooter.

James Dixon

Sept. 21, 2007 8:42 p.m.

All I can say Is ! Sloan please go back to the Farm. AK please do not
leave us...I have tired of hearing the negative Jerry Sloan..and I
love watching AK..he is the most importantman on this team....

Rich

Sept. 21, 2007 8:33 p.m.

Ivan, Though Kirilenko wants out of Utah, that should not cause you to
lose your common sense. When Andre said he had a disappointing season, he
thought of himself, not of the team. The Jazz had a great season and an
outstanding playoffs. Even if Andre had played to his full potential, I think
the Spurs would have prevailed. Parker and Ginobili are too breaking down the
defense, and Duncan is one of the top five or six post players of all time. The
Jazz have been so consistently excellent for years because Sloan has had the
power to do what is right, whether that means benching a highly paid prima donna
who takes too many bad shots or makes too many turnovers. Sloan has great
respect as one of the top coaches the NBA has ever had. Could any other coach
have done any better with the Jazz roster? Do you think Phil Jackson would have
won the championship if he had been the Jazz coach and Sloan had been the Bulls
coach back in '96 and '97? No way.

Sparks 24

Sept. 21, 2007 8:14 p.m.

Mike don't kid yourself Fish wanted out of Utah and he lied and found a way out.
He took advantage of Larry Millers kindness. I have lost all respect for Derek
Fisher. Teh Jazz need AK47 and he is what he is today because fot eh Utah Jazz
period.

lamonte

Sept. 21, 2007 7:10 p.m.

to Lamonte - The jazz made the playoffs for 17 years straight. The only team
with a longer record of consecutive playoff appearances was Portland. Not
Chicago, not the Lakers, and especially not the Spurs even come close to that
record of consistancy. I already acknowledged that the Jazz have not won a
champiuonship. What did the Spurs do before Tim Duncan? What will they do
after Tim Duncan?

And stop using my name for your handle!

Marky Mark

Sept. 21, 2007 6:23 p.m.

Except for Miller and his big mouth, I have little complaint about the Jazz. If
AK can't fit in (he did have some outstanding playoff cames - especially when
the guards were hurt) then he deserves to try elsewhere. NOBODY wants to play in
Utah? Sloan drives players away? Really? Your friends cousins friend who was
recently outed? Fine. Anyone else? Let them go. Now if Miller would stop his
fanboy crying and moaning and act like an adult things would be much better. His
comments about AK just before playoffs were an embarrassment. He does it all the
time. It's like a any business owner blasting an employee to the media. How
stupid do you have to be to not see that? Yeah, we know this guy. unfortunately.

AK = Baby

Sept. 21, 2007 6:02 p.m.

When Sloan is done coaching and gone, that is when fans will understand how good
of a coach he realy is. But hopefully Miller can find a good baby sitter to take
his place for all the whinners that play nowdays.

Mike In Cali

Sept. 21, 2007 6:01 p.m.

I will be willing to bet anything, that when all is said and done, AK will be
back in Utah. Mark my words, I think will tweak the system to help him get more
involved, but he will be back. Just watch.

Mario Vancouver WA

Sept. 21, 2007 5:58 p.m.

Thank God AK'S wife Starches his shirts Becuse its painfully obvious the kid has
no SPINE to hold himself up i will bet you he has a heart about the size of a
pee! I would rather the Jazz let him go

Alexy

Sept. 21, 2007 5:38 p.m.

The facts:

AK is a terrible shooter (bottom 10%), fantastic defender,
and a very good forward. When he is traded, he will do much damage to the Jazz
defensively and inside the perimeter.

Sloan is the worst coach in
the NBA for young guys. I hope he doesn't turn Morris Almond into DeShawn
Stevenson. The Jazz will be better off with another coach.

Larry
Miller must stop crying on TV.

WorldPeace

Sept. 21, 2007 5:34 p.m.

I believe we should all love one another despite the existence of the Soviet
Union.

Fernando Arias

Sept. 21, 2007 5:34 p.m.

I'm amazed how anyone in their right mind could even think of blaming Coach
Sloan (who's one of, if not the, best coaches in the game) and Jazz Management
(which is also top-notch) for AK's mental breakdown.

After the Jazz
signed Boozed and Memo on the Free Market, you guys still pretend players just
don't want to be in Utah because of the coaching...

The truth: the
only problem Utah has as a destination is that it's not a major ad market and
players won't get huge endorsements in Utah (at least not as huge as if they
played in L.A. or N.Y.) That's it. End of sentence. It's got nothing to do
with Mormons or coaching or the organization. To pretend otherwise is, at best,
disingenuous.

The only players who don't want to play for Coach Sloan
are players that are lazy or ego-maniacal. Do you really want those types of
players on your team? I don't!

Jayson

Sept. 21, 2007 4:38 p.m.

Man how does such a guy go from such a stud to such a dud in the course of only
one year....

Mike

Sept. 21, 2007 4:31 p.m.

As for this AK situation, AK has every right to upset with his role on the team.
That doesnt make him greedy or selfish. Most of us would be upset, too, if we
felt like we were not involved with the team. But he has gone about this in the
completely wrong way. Now he is stuck on the Jazz roster next year. Its highly
unlikely there will be a trade. Its too late in the off season for a
blockbuster trade, those wont happen again until maybe February. Now that
everyone knows that he wants out, he has destroyed all of his trade value.(The
little he did have came for the EuroCup MVP) And you better believe that there
is no way that the Jazz will just release him form his contract like they did
with Fish. He will either suck it up and play(hopefully hard, but probably not)
and try to increase his trade value, or he will sit on the bench on the inactive
list like AI did until the organization can find a beneficial trade for the
team. The only way it will be any different if he doesnt show up to training
camp...

Mike

Sept. 21, 2007 4:30 p.m.

Even all of these players who may not like Sloan still respect him, AK even said
that. Where do you think that respect comes from? It sure isnt the fact that
his not a nice guy. Its because of his accomplishments. So, saying that hes a
bad coach because he hasnt won a championship or coach of the year isnt a good
argument either. Sloan doesnt even care about the COY award. I guess by those
standards, Stockton was a bad player because he doesnt have a championship or
and MVP award either...

Mike

Sept. 21, 2007 4:30 p.m.

I dont get all of these Sloan bashers. First off, the Jazz have been the most
consistent team in the past 20 years. The Spurs werent all that great 15 years
ago. Theyre really only been consistent since for the past 10 years, after they
picked up Duncan. But I think the Spurs was an interesting choice to try to
bash Sloan. Pop and Sloan have almost identical styles of coaching. Pop even
patterned his coaching after Sloans, so how does that help the Sloan bashers?
Then saying its a bad thing that Sloan has control of his team. I sure wouldnt
want to play for a coach who DIDNT have control of his team.

Mike

Sept. 21, 2007 4:28 p.m.

People should stop lumping Fish into the same category as AK. AK clearly doesnt
want to play here. Fish even had his reservations before coming here, but after
he got here he loved it. He has never had anything bad to say about this
organization or coach after he arrived. He even said he sees a championship
here in a few years. If Fish really didnt want to play in Utah, then why would
he show up during the 3rd quarter of a game? Dont you think he would have just
stayed in New York, or just went home? Lay off of fish, he is one of the only
classy players left in the NBA.

JF

Sept. 21, 2007 4:27 p.m.

The jazz will never win a championship as long as they have Sloan. Pick and
Roll, it has worked out so well. The jazz has won so many games with it but not
the most important one.

The Jazz will begin their rebuilding process
in a couple of years after D-Will leaves.

hawaiijazzfan

Sept. 21, 2007 4:23 p.m.

hey i just want to throw this little bit out there and let you think about it.
how many championships have authoritarian coaches won? sure they do well,
furious george, larry brown for example but it took larry how long before he won
a title? i love sloans coachings style and his system. it means if you play
ball the right way, there are no needs for superstar ball hogs. but i know this
too, sloan underutilized andrei last year and it showed. andrei blew it by
missing those outside jumpers but he single handedly destroyed GS style of
playing. i dont know if any of your guys played ball but imagine being good
enough to go pro, then getting your shot blocked 3 times in one possession. ak
destroys running teams.

mark my words, next year when we play teams
that run and gun, phoenix, gs, toronto, mavs, we are definately gonna be in
trouble. no way booz or memo keeps up with those forwards. call him a crybaby,
tell the guy to leave, but without him we dont stop running teams period.

urban or majerus

Sept. 21, 2007 3:56 p.m.

so, who would have won more championships for the Jazz over the last 12 years?
Urban? Or the king of coaches--rick majerus?

Need Some Toughness

Sept. 21, 2007 3:42 p.m.

Ak is weak. Skinny, fragile, touchy & selfish.

He can't handle the
pressure of being a winner in the NBA. He needs to go home and dominate
against inferior competition.

Unbelievably selfish. These guys
don't have a clue how good they have it. Life just isn't fair.

Jazz Fan

Sept. 21, 2007 3:37 p.m.

Bye Commrade!

re: Grandpa Jazz

Sept. 21, 2007 3:25 p.m.

I hope the US team plays Russia. 30+ blowout coming.

The problem in
2004 Olympics was too many players like AK that wanted to "The Man". If you
get a true team, like this year's FIBA USA team, they'll crush any other team
out there. In 2008, we'll have a true team that plays for the good of the
team.

Russia league IS NOT EQUIVALENT TO Triple A ball.

It's like a WNBA Developmental League.

Ty has zero knowledge

Sept. 21, 2007 3:24 p.m.

To that Ty guy who posted at 1:45...the pick and roll doesn't work anymore?
Have you seen Deron Williams run that with Carlos Boozer? You obviously have no
idea what you are talking about, so stay away from commenting Ty. You have zero
knowledge you weasel

NewYorker

Sept. 21, 2007 3:09 p.m.

Hey AK, I liked watching you play when you worked hard. Don't blame Coach Sloan
for your problems. The Jazz will be better off without having to pay 13.5
million dollars to a player who turns the ball over everytime he puts it on the
floor. We may have a tough time getting someone in the free agent market right
away but given time the Jazz will be better off if AK does walk away from his
contract. Thanks for the good times and good luck in Russia, I think that we'll
both be better off with a divorce.

GrandpaJazz

Sept. 21, 2007 3:05 p.m.

Russia isn't even equivalent to Triple A baseball. It's more like high school

What a ludicrous statement. Where have you been during the past 15
years or so. Do OUR NBA stars go out and humiliate the rest of the world? Not
so anyone's noticed. You are living in a fantasy world. Years ago this was
true. Some college players (not even the best ones) and a guy from the army
used to win, win, win. Now its just a hope that the U.S.A. can win any
tournament. Don't think so. Keep watching, it wont be easy!!!

fillmore

Sept. 21, 2007 3:02 p.m.

Does AK really care about playing for the Jazz or the N.B.A. .He is just married
to a Russian actress,the exchange rate usd $1.00 Russian ruble$25.051.I think
the two of them will live life fit for a ???

Sloan Bashers

Sept. 21, 2007 2:59 p.m.

Anyone bashing Jerry Sloan is here is clueless about basketball. There will be
a day and it won't be far off when Sloan retires and everyone will see how
valuable of a coach he was for the Jazz.

JAZZ FAN is the biggest
troll ever to post in here. I don't recall Sloan ever telling anyone he was the
"greatest player". AK on the other hand has had the Russian media feeding his
ego the past month. Money doesn't make you a man nor does it make you a better
player, as we have witnessed with AK.

The NBA is collective bunch
overpaid, hypersensitive egos and AK is one of them. He is part of a generation
of players who consider being part of a team only because rules dictate it. Add
to the equation owners like Mark Cuban throwing down $10 million on horrible
bench players and fans supporting the cause by buying tickets and merchandise by
the ton this is what you getthe gilded age of sports.

chevere

Sept. 21, 2007 2:56 p.m.

A comment about Sloan. Who are you going to get to replace him? The recycled
coach roulette wheel goes on every year in the NBA. A coach that was supposedly
great in one city becomes a loser in the next and a supposed loser becomes great
in the next city and on and on and on and on. Alot of it is getting the right
combination of players in the right city at the right time and place. Then the
good coach all of the sudden becomes great.

Other than the four
letter tirades he rips off at the refs, I have seen nothing out of Sloan that
does not say he is a very good coach in the league, and with the right NBA refs
on his side at the right time on one or 2 calls in the finals, they would have a
ring.

Oh, I'm sure I didn't mean that last comment; the Referees are
honest and would never gamble or anything like that would they. They are much
better than the refs at the St. George rec league aren't they? But of course I
digress and that is a topic for another day.Chau for now

Gretzky

Sept. 21, 2007 2:44 p.m.

Does it reallly matter? the NBA is rigged. just ask the refs. forgettabout it.
Stick with the NHL. the goalie can keep you in a game regardless of how many
penalties a ref calls. the NHL is the last sport not to be tainted by referee or
umpire blown calls and fake credentials. even gambling can't really take over
the sport. a goalie would have to be involved and it is too obvious.

let kirilenko go....make him play in russia for 10 seasons or another team has
to pay you the difference. the Jazz can let him go as long as they don't have to
pay him and he doesn't play for another NBA team for 10 years. then the Jazz can
go after a true shooting guard.

Re: JF

Sept. 21, 2007 2:39 p.m.

JF: "Did Nelson and Wilkens have Malone or Stockton. If Sloan was so great why
couldn't find a way to another NBA final."

Response: How many finals
does Sloan have to reach in order to get JF's stamp of approval? Nelson and
Wilkins combined NBA Finals' appearances: one!

JF: "By the way
lets have you run up and down the court and later call you slacker and let see
how you would react."

No one called AK a slacker. His work ethic
isn't in question: his acceptance of the team concept is. Even if he was called
a slacker and he was fazed by it - how mentally weak is that?

Moto X

Sept. 21, 2007 2:05 p.m.

The majority of these pro-AK and anti-Sloan posts are from the same person. He
trolls the message boards and campaigns for those two things constantly.

If AK wants out then he should shut his mouth. All potential suitors
now know he really does not want to work hard because that is what Sloan
demands. They also now know he would rather play against weaker talent in
Russia to make himself look better. He thinks the offense should run through
him--this a guy who can not make a jump shot and does not have the body to
play/hold up in the NBA at the PF position. If you created a recipe to make
yourself have to show up to Jazz camp--AK just wrote it. No other team will pay
even close to his contract value so now he essentially just forced himself to
come back and have to play (sit) here. What genius. His stats of 8 points and
5 rebounds are insignificant--we have players that are sitting on the bench that
can easily replace that--not only that they will be happy to play and help their
team--unlike AK.

Gall

Sept. 21, 2007 1:56 p.m.

Didn't some players perform stronger after Majerus left? Is there a principle
here?

Anonymous

Sept. 21, 2007 1:45 p.m.

I've always been a fan of AK, and I don't put 100% of the blame on him for this
situation, I think Sloan needed to put a bit more effort into appeasing AK.
However, I'm sliding with Sloan on this one. Look at his track record! He is
stubborn, he is mean, but at the same time, he is fair, he tells his players
what he expects of them, and he does what he thinks is best for the TEAM. Trade
AK to the Leastern conference. Milsap is ready for the minutes, did you see him
in the RMR. The kid is gonna rip it up with more playing time. Truth is, when AK
is on his game, he is killer, but last year we all know he was pouting and
turning in a half hearted effort the entire year, cut his salary, trade him
east, get a decent player and an expiring contract. See ya AK.

Can't Create His Own Shot

Sept. 21, 2007 1:45 p.m.

Kirilenko can't create his own shot and he can't put the ball on the floor.
That makes it difficult for ANY team to put the ball in his hands and expect him
to create offense. He scores most when he lets the ball come to him in a good
offensive system (IE Utah's). Let him and his obscene contract walk!

Ty

Sept. 21, 2007 1:45 p.m.

I say get rid of both of them! AK is whiner and doesn't deserve to play in the
NBA! Sloan is way too old school to be coaching in the NBA these days! I pick
and roll ended about 20 years ago! Find a new play!! Find a new coach!! Find a
new SF!!

who cares

Sept. 21, 2007 1:31 p.m.

Jerry is the coach.Overpaid players are not the coach.If you can not follow your
leader,you are the loser.If you can not play as a team you are a loser.Its been
fun ,Its been real.It just has not been real fun.I say good bye and so long to
those that can not be a team player or can not be coached

Who needs him

Sept. 21, 2007 1:21 p.m.

You know what who cares that Fisher left and that Kirelenko wants out also. We
don't want them anyway. Fisher was decent and a good leader, but he didn't do
all that much anyway. And has AK done...NOTHING. He won't do anything this
year either because Williams, Boozer, and Okur will get the points we just need
AK for his defense which he's not willing to just play defense he wants the
ball. I don't know about you guys by I get scared everytime AK touches the
ball!!! Go ahead and go back to Russia so we can pay Williams the money he
deserves because he deserves it more than you AK!!!

T-Roy

Sept. 21, 2007 1:10 p.m.

IF Ak wants to leave trade hm of Jefferson or 3-4 players from THe t-wolves to
inslude gereld green or ratliff and his expiring contract and maybe get foy

Jazz Fan

Sept. 21, 2007 12:56 p.m.

I don't care what Andrei says, this IS about the win, about the fact that he
just realized how amazing he can be among the russians and wants to be the star
of the league. It's too bad, we really liked him.

Joshua

Sept. 21, 2007 12:53 p.m.

Enough Sloan bashing people! This is an AK problem, not a coaching problem. Let
AK go. Either get a decent player, or figure out a way to get rid of the
contract for the cap room. The Shawn Marion deal would work really well if the
Suns would just pick up the phone. We are one piece of the puzzle from a
championship. That piece is axing AK. Flex some muscle as an organization.
There's ways to do it. He wants to play hardball. Play hardball back.

Send them Back to the ASAP

Sept. 21, 2007 12:52 p.m.

Hey there's alot of hidden talent around the America'scity street
everywhere who can play way better than this people. I don't know why are paying
this large sum of cash when all they do is whine and expect to baby sit them. If
they don't want to play get rid of them it's not good for the organization! Even
Michael Jordan who is the best player ever played it the history had never
acted the way this ungrateful people let alone who cannot deliver. If they want
to play somewhere let them leave our country and don't give them any opportunity
to comeback.We don't want Eastern Promises here in America. Let 'em enjoy
theircountry b-ball. By the way, what's so special about european
b-ball? just a kid who knows how
to play b-ball but don't know how to type

Re: JF

Sept. 21, 2007 12:51 p.m.

You clearly don't understand a coach's role.

"If Sloan was so great
why couldn't find a way to another NBA final." What do you want him to do,
coach himself to 14 NBA finals in order to get the JF stamp of approval? I
think you are a swayed Sloan hater that doesn't even know what he/she is talking
about.

"By the way lets have you run up and down the court and later
call you slacker and let see how you would react." Unfortunately for me, I'm
not paid millions upon millions to "run up and down the court". And who called
him a slacker? I'm calling him a baby. Besides, what a lack of mental
toughness! Someone calls you a slacker? So you start to cry? You're in the
wrong sport!

TRUE JAZZ FAN

Sept. 21, 2007 12:48 p.m.

@JAZZ FAN: Are u kidding me?? Sloan is an NBA coach, not a Junior Jazz coach.
If the players can't meet his expectations then THEY need to do some work or
they can go home crying like AK. If he were to let the players or fans run the
team (like some coaches do) then he would not be doing his job. SLOAN IS DA
MAN!

hawaiijazzfan

Sept. 21, 2007 12:43 p.m.

this is ridiculous, how many of your guys remember when deron was complaining of
minutes and not playing...just cause hes playing good now you forget that? i
think you need to support the players and the team and advocate working it out
then bashing the coach, the system, the players.

Jimmy is down

Sept. 21, 2007 12:43 p.m.

Jimmy's Sneakers sure is a genius in thinking that we SHOULD HAVE traded for
J-Rich last year. Gosh, if only we could have traveled through time and
known that AK was going to throw a tantrum.

All of these hindsight
comments are completely pointless.

to much about nothing

Sept. 21, 2007 12:40 p.m.

ak is being human. he is like every other person out there. When kobe wanted to
be the man he sent shaq packing and shaq got another title. but kobe was on a so
so team and wanted out. the grass is always greener no mater what we make, where
we live or who we are. some people take breaths and keep going, others quit
their job and take goverment support. ak is acting on his feelings and emotions
and he may be right for him. we are fans who care more about his stat sheet then
his happiness. the jazz and ak will work it out or not. but someone will fill
the void and we will have someone else to grip about. Stockton was right to keep
his life and basketball apart. I'm sure he had his moments. he just didnt dump
them on us. as long as players are told they're worth millions, and fans take
this money personally, we'll have to much about nothing to talk about.

Joel

Sept. 21, 2007 12:38 p.m.

Trade AK to the Heat for Jason Williams, Dorell Wright, and 3 1st Rd picks... At
least he won't be playing in the West, and Miami is the farthest possible place
to ship him from Salt Lake

Urban Meyer?

Sept. 21, 2007 12:27 p.m.

Urban was every bit as obnoxious the players and support staff as Jerry is
accused of being. He is the Larry Brown of college football and wears out his
welcome relatively quickly because of his ego.We should let AK do whatever
-- unless it improves any Western Conference team. He needs to go to a loser
team so he can be the star. Since reaching the WC finals didn't please him. We'd
never have done that without Jerry.

Don't Bash SLOAN!

Sept. 21, 2007 12:26 p.m.

Get off the bashing Sloan bandwagon. Would the Jazz have been in the Western
Conference Finals without Sloan? I doubt it. Sorry to burst your bubble but
the Jazz roster isn't that great. He gets the best out of what he has and it
has shown. What coach do y'all want?

AK needs the majority of the
blame. I am sick of hearing how hard Sloan is on players. Let them come play
for my ol' high school coach and they will be begging for Sloan. Guaranteed!

Here is one phrase AK needs to know the translation for "BREECH OF
CONTRACT!"

Good luck fighting that one AK.

Just sit on the
bench, play your Warcraft game all night and collect your check for the next 4
years because you are not getting out of this contract. Sorry.

abby12

Sept. 21, 2007 12:25 p.m.

Let him go if he doesn't want to be with the Jazz. He is a big cry baby and I'm
really disappointed in him. It isn't Sloan's fault that he fell apart last year.
Obviously he was never meant to be an NBA star.

Go Russia

Sept. 21, 2007 12:13 p.m.

If I could play in College I would, If I could play in High School I would..but
if AK needs to be the go to guy he needs to step down a level and go to Russia
or Europe. Does he not understand that the American Game is so much quicker and
he never will be a Stockton, or Malone, a D-will or Booz...he is a player with
great talent and in the NBA he is exposed because people jump quicker and higher
and all five guys jump not just the big guys...sorry AK..suck it up and lace it
up and prove yourself

Sloan

Sept. 21, 2007 12:03 p.m.

I'm surprised by all the Jerry bashing I've read over the past 2 days. Why is
it Jerry's fault AK wants to leave? Because he "criticized" him when he wasn't
playing well? Give me a break. AK is being paid millions upon millions to play
a game. In my mind, if you aren't meeting your expectations in any job, then
the supervisor or coach in this case absolutely has the right to call that
person out. Sloan is a hard nosed type of coach, but he never crossed the line
with AK. Being paid 60+ million you would think AK would be able to take some
of it. This is a perfect example of whats wrong with professional sports.
Players get paid millions to play a game and as soon as they do, they turn into
self serving jerks. Good riddance AK.

JAZZ FAN

Sept. 21, 2007 11:55 a.m.

Get rid of Sloan, save AK47. Sloan has been with the JAZZ too long. We never did
like him because he has no sensitivity to his players. How can he get his
players to do the best for him and the team when he runs them down & yells at
them all the time. He breaks their spirit. He thinks he is the greatest but has
never received the player of the year award. The only reason that we watch all
the games is because we like AK47 and the other players, not Sloan. Have you
ever read Jerry Sloan's lips at a JAZZ game, very disgusting language!

Jazz fan!

Sept. 21, 2007 11:53 a.m.

It is too bad that AK-47 wants to leave. It is too bad that the Jazz don't want
to trade him, because they are afraid that they will not get anything in return.
If you keep AK-47 you will not be getting anything in return anyways, except
cap space. See ya AK, go find another shoulder to cry on.

GNM

Sept. 21, 2007 11:49 a.m.

If Kirilenko wants out of his contract, let him go. Can't a person go work /
play where he is content, even if that means giving up something like leaving
money behind. Isn't Utah keeping the 60+ mill enough of a return. If he is
overpaid shouldn't we be ok with that? If he isn't doing his best here
shouldn't we be OK letting him go. It seems likely present coaching isn't going
to increase his performance. I don't understand the dynamics I guess! Why make
him stay, why call him names, why say he just has to accept his role. His game
doesn't fit with the role others seem to expect. Even some of his mates have
ragged, suggesting he couldn't wait for vacation. I couldn't continuously make
myself productive in an environment where I didn't feel wanted and couldn't
produce at my fullest potential.

Sloan's style in the locker room has
been here to long. Loosing him would mean recovery time - but then I think we
are far better off without Brother Majerus on the hill.

bjthekid

Sept. 21, 2007 11:45 a.m.

AK needs to go. I have never seen more selfishness in all my life. Just like
everyone else, I loved Andre when he was playing to his strengths. It will be
sad to lose him to another team, but the Jazz will be better off now without
him!

As much as I love Sloan as a coach, I think it may be time for a
change. If only for a guy who more players have a desire to play for. Utah as
a place is not the reason guys don't want to come here...it is because guys
don't want to be led by someone who has control of his team. Larry Miller needs
to consider a change at coach as hard as that may be.

I heard a radio
interview with Deron Williams yesterday and he commented that he is like "32
years old" in "Jerry Sloan years". (Like Dog Years) Meaning he feels like
playing for Sloan makes him older than he really is. That is not a good sign.
We cannot afford to lose DWill.

I say, make a coaching change, keep
Andre and see what happens this year!

It will be funny

Sept. 21, 2007 11:44 a.m.

It will be funny to read comments from all you Sloan haters a year or two after
he is gone and we have someone else here. Time will tell what kind of a coach
he is. It makes me wonder about the intelligence of some of our "Jazz" fans.
Thanks "lamonte" and "sloan is the man" for some realistic comments. The NBA
has some real problems stemming, I believe, from some highly overpaid athletes.
I'm grateful that Utah has tried to keep some sanity while putting a great
product on the floor. I appreciate the type of players the Jazz have on the
team, and I think we should let the AK thing play out before we decide to burn
him at the stake.

Jason

Sept. 21, 2007 11:43 a.m.

Okay, really. Sometimes I wonder why people are so dang ignorant. I am not a
father yet, but its pretty easy to understand why Derek Fisher would leave to
ensure the best health of his daughter. FYI, medical help for his daughter
wasn't very good in SLC compared to somewhere like Los Angeles. He was a hard
worker, always has, ask his teammates. He is a Sloan kind of player. Plus the
NBA had to approve releasing his contract. Second, AK-47 is simply a baby. He
is no longer a scorer and has more allegiance to World of Warcraft. Ask his
wife about his gaming habits. So now we have a baby, with a horrible jump shot,
that expects to be the scoring leader when he is lousy offensively. Anyone who
thinks this is Sloan's fault is a fool. Sloan and company took a complete
rebuild of a team in 3-4 years. The Trailblazers dropped the same time. Where
are they in the rebuilding process. Wait they can't even make the playoffs, and
won't for at least a couple years. Look at Sloan's numbers before you make
stupid and highly ignorant comments.

JF

Sept. 21, 2007 11:28 a.m.

Sloan is the Man: If you want those kind of players, go look for them at church
ball. Well except #3.

Joe

Sept. 21, 2007 11:26 a.m.

As a basketball fan I am sorry that it has come to this impasse with AK, but as
a human being who thinks that money controls way too many things that it should
not control, I can't help but feel some joy in AK's willingness to reject
millions of dollars in favor of the sheer joy of playing a game he loves. True,
in a strict business sense, in the world of contracts, in the sense of honoring
commitments, there are problems with AK's position about not wanting to continue
playing in Utah, but viewed just for the pure human element, it is refreshing to
see an athlete willing to forgo the money in exchange for the joy of playing the
game, even if it is admittedly his own selfish definition of how that game
should be played. It may not be a lot of consolation to take out of what is
increasingly a negative situation for the team, but at least it is something, if
we can accept the fact that sports is not everything.

curlyw

Sept. 21, 2007 11:21 a.m.

Anybody remember the great player Bobby Jones for the old Philadelphia 76ers
back in the 70s - 80s? Thats who Andrei has always reminded me of.Except
Jones never, ever complained.Jones was a great 6th man - all defense and
little offense. wasn't worried about scoring.And the 76ers won the NBA
championship , 1983 I think.Coach Sloan and crew should should show as
much old video of Jones to Andrei as they can find because Utah could do the
same as the 76ers did in 83, if they can repair the current emergency (maybe
show old Karl Malone stuff there).

I was very happy Andrei palyed so
well n Russia and won the championship and was hoping it would carry over to
the upcoming NBA season.

Come on Andrei -- say it ain't so !!!

Don't walk out.

woody

Sept. 21, 2007 11:20 a.m.

Jazz--Why don't you just let this kid go. He dosen't want to be here and to pay
him for not wanting to play just seems crazy. Bite the bullet.

js

Sept. 21, 2007 11:14 a.m.

Think of John Stockton, I really don't think he necessarily liked being in Utah
either, but he kept quiet and played with dignity and put everything into his
play, with and for the team. AK should call him and get some sound advise from
Stock. As for giving AK some slack for wanting to play for fans in Russia that
love him, Utah fans loved him as much as any fans could, until he started with
his antics. AK gave up on us, not the other way around.

Mark

Sept. 21, 2007 11:11 a.m.

I really don't think this sets the Jazz back at all. We lose a guy who averaged
8 points, a handful of rebounds if that, and we get either all of his money to
sign someone else or we can trade him for someone else. We do lose a tremendous
shot blocker, but we also lose his whiny attitude and teary eyes. The Jazz
front office consists of highly intelligent people who will make the best of
this situation. What do you expect? Your highest paid player decides he wants
to leave. Just wait and see. The Jazz will come out of this just fine, if not
better. The team is Deron, Boozer, and Memo really anyway. Hopefully they can
pull of a trade for an all star.

the other LA Jazz fan

Sept. 21, 2007 10:58 a.m.

I have heard a few great comments (LA jazz fan, chevere) and some really
ignorant ones(Urban Meyer hahaha). Having rarely missed watching a game over
the past decade I can say with assurance that AK is a baby and IT IS NOT SLOAN'S
FAULT. Lack of playing time, PLEASE! His selfishness and immaturity is an
issue worth noting. Sloan needing to motivate more? Maybe he seems too hard
core for the masses but for the real ballers, they love playing for sloan
because he is a die hard competitor (last year talking smack to jerk Stackhouse
after a flagrant foul was classic). I remember Kobe and Barkley lauding Sloan
in interviews and even saying they would like to play for him for ALL he gets
out of players. Most players that don't want to play in Utah are usually the
type that a self-respecting ball club would stay away from anyway. Please leave
Andrei, the leaders of the team want you out to (Boozer and Williams last year
after the playoffs)! It is a tough job to educate the ignorant masses. Love
the Jazz, HATE the Lakers. Andrei makes 600% of what most make, and still needs
motivation to play???

Steve W

Sept. 21, 2007 10:53 a.m.

I'd be willing to wager than in a few weeks this will all blow over. AK is
highly emotional with a propensity for speaking his mind while still in the
thick of his emotions. He had a great run in the European Championships this
summer and it has left him yearning for that kind of attention and praise. Whst
he forgetting is that he EARNED that praise in Spain this summer. He didn't
earn it here in SLC.

AK, O'Connor and Sloan will sit down while in
Boise and make peace. Scoring #s aside, he's an amazing player. AK will be in
a Jazz uniform on Oct 30. How he'll play this season is another issue all
together.

to" Lamonte

Sept. 21, 2007 10:39 a.m.

Actually I would have to say that the Spurs have been the most consistently
successful team in the NBA over the last 20 years. How many championships have
the Spurs won compared to the Jazz?

Nobody wants to play for the
Jazz. Boozer and Williams will be gone after their contracts finish. The money
doesn't matter. Look at D-Fish, Kirilenko...

Wake Up AK!!!

Sept. 21, 2007 10:36 a.m.

Wake up AK, who do you think you're dealing with?

The Jazz are not
going to smile and say good-bye to AK. Larry, Kevin, and Jerry will NEVER allow
players to dictate how their club is managed. If the Jazz can pay AK the
ridiculous millions he makes, they own him as a player. If he's going to be
paid for playing basketball anywhere, he will do it through the organized
channels, not by whinning to the media. How childish!

Look at D
Will, he could have shrugged under Sloan's pressure but instead he used that
pressure to become a champion. He grew-up, he became mentally tough. If AK is
ever going to become a champion he will find that toughness, that mean streak,
just like Williams did. The best thing the Jazz could do for AK is
expect/require him to report to training and hope he will FINALLY learn to play
Jazz basketball...not his version of it.

The Jazz will never allow
this kind of presidence to be set by a player, ask Karl.

Thank you
for your time.

Anonymous

Sept. 21, 2007 10:35 a.m.

As long as he is in a Jazz uniform; I will cheer for him. As long as he plays
sollid d in utah; i will cheer for him. As long as he takes 15 foot jumoers in
utah; i will have a vomit taste in my mouth but I will continue to cheer for
him. I just hope this doesnt set us back a few years. He says that we can take
his money and buy new players? The off season is come and gone? What players
can be buy?

Anonymous

Sept. 21, 2007 10:26 a.m.

hey Sloan has chased away AK for complaining to much when will he chase away
Larry, he complained way more last season than AK and He shed a lot more tears.
Its true He cant coach AK and AK wont get any better with sloan. Simple solution
find a new coach who can whine and cry with AK and Miller.

pj

Sept. 21, 2007 10:25 a.m.

this is ridiculous, lets just wait and see what happens with this, kiri or not
this team is still a playoff team. and if sloan were to leave who would take
over? what other good coach would come here?!

Sloan is the Man

Sept. 21, 2007 10:21 a.m.

If players don't want to play for Sloan it is the players problem. Sloan wants
3 things 1- Hard Work 2- Dedication 3-Play Sound Fundamental Basketball.

If no players want to play this way, I don't want to watch or be a fan
anymore.

lamonte

Sept. 21, 2007 10:16 a.m.

All of you crybaby Jazz haters need to do a little reading. Utah is the most
consistantly successful team in the NBA over the last 20 years (Sloan's tenure.)
No, they haven't won it all but they've done a lot with just a little. What
other teams have never made it to the top? Dallas? Phoenix? New Orleans?
Charlotte? Atlanta? LA Clippers? Denver? Minnesota? Cleveland? It seems like
they've got a lot of company in that winless club.

Jerry Sloan has
never been Coach of the Year - but Doc Rivers has!? That must be some selection
process. The Jazz were in the Conference Finals last year. And your
complaining? Grow up!

Jimmy's friend

Sept. 21, 2007 10:10 a.m.

Jimmy Sneaker's friend thinks that Jimmy is right. Jimmy's friend thinks the
Jazz should have traded Kirilenko for Richardson or for any one of a number of
lesser paid players. Jimmy's friend thinks that Sloan can take marginal
players, plug them into his sytem and win enough to make the play-offs. Jimmy's
friend thinks the Jazz fans wil be happy with that and then maybe they can learn
the difference between lose and loose as well as your and you're. Jimmy and
Jimmy's friend would like that.

re: GoJazz (What up with cap?)

Sept. 21, 2007 10:09 a.m.

I like the conditions GoJazz listed.

Let him go. Make sure he can
never play in the NBA again.

Does anyone know the true situation
regarding the salary cap? If he bolts, will his salary still count against the
cap- similar to a player retiring. (Allan Houston retired from NYK, but his
contract still counted against the NYK cap)

WNBA Developmental League=Russia

Sept. 21, 2007 10:05 a.m.

Anyone can go back to the minors and be a star.

Russia isn't even
equivalent to Triple A baseball. It's more like high school.

It's
the WNBA Developmental League. Of course AK will go there and flourish and "Be
the man". That's all he cares about is "being the man"- not "being the best
of the best".

Loser.

TOO Quick to conclude

Sept. 21, 2007 9:59 a.m.

I would not neceserrily like to see LINKO leave, you might not realize how
valuble he is untill he is gone. I don't mind him leaving as long as we get
value for him. Shawn Marion maybe could be a good fit.

AGREED

Sept. 21, 2007 9:58 a.m.

I agree with "GO-JAZZ" the Jazz do not want an unhappy player on the team, we
saw how well T.O. worked in Philly. Also the Jazz must get something from LINKO,
lots of money is a start, and i would like to see Millsap get more time, also
maybe Fasaynko could emerge too, i have only herd good things about him.

jazz fan

Sept. 21, 2007 9:57 a.m.

that could be the best way i've ever heard it... Sloan subs by clock and not by
performance. Its time for him to go. He's had two of the greatest players ever
to play the game, and the best he could do was two finals appearances. Not many
players wanna come here, D-Will will probably be sportin someone elses uni after
this season due to Sloan. And by the way..Who cares about that long play off
streak.. All the years the Jazz were 8th seed and got dominated in the first
round shouldnt even count.

MTN

Sept. 21, 2007 9:55 a.m.

Sick of AK said the team chemistry will falter if AK-Cancer is in the locker
room. I agree that he can't be bringing the locker room up...but what
chemistry? That was the whole problem last year - there was chemistry between
D-Will and Memo for half the year, chemistry between D-Will and Booze for the
second half of the year and NO CHEMISTRY AT ALL with AK. If Sloan is not going
to be a psychologist, maybe he could try and be a chemist. He has to accept
some responsibility for his players' state of mind. NBA Coach in 2007 is more
than just X's and O's. He needs to get with it. If he drives D-Will out of
Utah, that will be unforgivable.

chase SL

Sept. 21, 2007 9:54 a.m.

Ive defended coach sloan in dinner time conversations in the past but.. despite
being a great coach that produces from sher effort, his reputaion is over taking
his abilty to draw players. I knew it would be hard to bring players looking
for a party in Utah but now it will be hard to bring in any player who wants to
play basketball with a smile.

chevere

Sept. 21, 2007 9:49 a.m.

Does no one remember the rantings and ravings during the regular season and then
the crying fits during the playoffs.? AK is a sad homesick little depressed
puppy. He thinks that if he goes back home he will be the hero and his
depression will go away.

He needs some Prozac and Xanax and alot
of counseling to help what he has. When he leaves Utah, he will be happy for a
few months, then will realize he left the only good thing he had; he won't be
able to go back to his divorced "wife" and realize it wasn't "her" ( the team )
that was the problem, but him. The Jazz were held back by AK last year.

Fisher was only hired for a year to help out while younger players
were developing. We lose nothing with him leaving. Williams is now a confident
starting guard and does not need the FFF ( father figure Fisher ) out there
anymore. The Jazz are better off without AK and DF.

LA Jazz Fan

Sept. 21, 2007 9:44 a.m.

AK just killed his trade value with his statement that he wants to play in
Russia. I understand not wanting to work for a boss you don't like, but AK has
really screwed the jazz over (lowered trade value, plus waited too long for the
Jazz to use his money if there is a buyout). AK has lost all of my respect for
him as a human being. The Jazz have done so much to help him launch his career
and cause he has one bad season where he isn't the "Man" he stabs the Jazz in
the back. The Jazz need to do damage control, but it is in their best interest
to wait and see if AK shows, cause if he doesn't he won't get paid and he will
be paying the league (and maybe team) some money. Even if he does come back, he
is sittin on the bench. Now I am gonna have to burn my AK uni, thanks alot AK!!
This season is definitely going to be interesting! PS, being in LA, I've seen
hart play, much better than Dee.

Sarah

Sept. 21, 2007 9:44 a.m.

Its good that he wants to play in Russia, but I think he should still stay here
in Utah.

JF

Sept. 21, 2007 9:44 a.m.

Did Nelson and Wilkens have Malone or Stockton. If Sloan was so great why
couldn't find a way to another NBA final. Sloan is a good regular season coach
but during crunch time he chokes just like Malone.

By the way lets
have you run up and down the court and later call you slacker and let see how
you would react.

Another thing, if Sloan was to coach Kobe, LeBron,
or any of the other young superstar do you think they would be as good as they
are. Would Sloan have let Kobe airball in the playoff. I think not, he would
have bench Kobe for his entire career and Kobe would have been just another NBA
player.

jazz fan

Sept. 21, 2007 9:38 a.m.

The best thing Jazz can do is get rid of Sloan, all he does is take up space.
When you had two of the greatest players to ever play the game, and alls you can
do is make two finals appearances, its time for him to move on. He scares off
anything good that can happen to the jazz, his routine is to set, and he refuses
to give rookies well earned minutes.

Rafa Schield

Sept. 21, 2007 9:38 a.m.

I don't know how Kirilenko can go from dominating the best European players, and
players like Pau Gasol, and come back to America and get a lack of playing time.
Kirilenko played great for 3 or 4 years and now Sloan has moved on to something
better. We could have 4 great players instead of 3 and Sloan can't figure that
out.

Jacob

Sept. 21, 2007 9:28 a.m.

AK is weak. He wants to run to Russia where the competition is far inferior,
where he doesn't have to work as hard to put up nice stats, where the fans fawn
over him no matter what. I'm not sure he has what it takes to succeed here now
that he has shown that after one bad year he curls up in a ball and sucks him
thumb.

Jazz are Going to Wilt Away

Sept. 21, 2007 9:24 a.m.

The NBA doesn't have any CHARACTER players. So, as long as Sloan is in charge
of the Jazz, you might as well get used to being good and never great. Sloan is
a great coach, but sooooo many thugs in the NBA make for very little talent
actually willing to work.

I mean, you have a guy like Steven A.
Smith (ESPN - QUITE FRANKLY) commentating on the NBA - enough said about the
problems the league has. ITS A JOKE!!!

GoJazz

Sept. 21, 2007 9:14 a.m.

If AK wants to walk away and play for "his country" why not let him do so under
the following conditions: the Jazz retain all NBA rights to him. This gets rid
of a cancer, frees up salary cap, allows more playing time for Millsap, etc and
insures Ak doesn't come back to haunt them.

Re: Anonymous

Sept. 21, 2007 8:58 a.m.

Hey Einstien,yes I know my Jazz. Fisher and AK started nearly every game
of the season that they were not injured. Your bad

Sick of AK

Sept. 21, 2007 8:56 a.m.

The worst thing about this whole situation is that he will end up back in a Jazz
uni and will be like a cancer to the team. His teammates have to be
disheartened by what AK has said. Their chemistry will never be what it once
was as long as AK is in a Jazz uniform. As a life long Jazz fan I feel betrayed
by AK and worry how it will affect the rest of the team.

Anonymous

Sept. 21, 2007 8:55 a.m.

You all have no clue. Do you watch the Jazz? Do you watch the NBA? The season
is too long at 82 to games and most nba teams coast through portions of it. One
thing you always hear about the Jazz, fromt he media, other teams players and
coaches, is that the Jazz bring it every game from buzzer to buzzer. You always
hear that you can't sleep on the Jazz. The Jazz are tough minded and bring it
every game because of Jerry. You say he's not a motivated than why do his
players play harder than any other team in the NBA? He is a great motivater.
The Jazz were critized for years for their lack of talent and Jerry was able to
get the most from what he had. Look at what players have done when they leave
the Jazz and look at the players he has devoloped, yes even young players. Even
Mo Williams was devoloped here and wanted to stay the Jazz didn't match the
offer from the Bucks for financial reasons. You say that Sloan hasn't won the
coach of the year, true, but he is always in the top 3 in votes.

Sam Hill

Sept. 21, 2007 8:54 a.m.

Anybody who thinks Jerry's tough on players ought to take a look at Bobby
Knight. There's no crying on his basketball team. He's miles and miles ahead of
Jerry when it comes to motivating with criticism.

Jazz Fine

Sept. 21, 2007 8:52 a.m.

I think anyone who is writing off the Jazz over D-Fish and AK are insane. Sure,
the guy is disappointed that his role has diminished, but he's right, he doesn't
fit into a system that requires a jump shot every now and then. Harpring
completely outplayed him last year and Millsap is happy playing defense and
rebounding. I'd take that combination over AK all day (even though I did love
the guy).

To blame management is also crazy. I'm amazed they have
re-built (don't be quick to forget the Western Conference Finals)this quickly in
a place no one wants to play. Besides, I'm 6'2" but play much bigger, I could
fill the void at the 4!

I don't envy Sloan

Sept. 21, 2007 8:44 a.m.

No kidding, Re: JF. Sloan isn't a shrink, he's a coach! Why should he have to
worry day in and day out about how to make people happy and feel warm and
tingley? Does he need to put on a puppet show before every game to make people
feel happy? Invite Barney to come in the locker room during halftime and give
the players a baloon?

LB

Sept. 21, 2007 8:43 a.m.

One more thing about Urban Meyer. You think the football equivalent of AK would
play a single minute for Urban?! You've got another think coming! UM would throw
the sorry, cry-baby out on his skinny behind the first day of practice!!!

You're fired

Sept. 21, 2007 8:41 a.m.

I'm tired of reading in the headlines about AK's pouting. Stop trying to use
the media to satisfy your demands. You've alienated your team, your coach, and
the fans with your grievances. Stop while you have a shred of dignity.

No way are the Jazz going to just let AK walk away. That'd be a public
relations nightmare: two starters opting out of their contracts in the same
season. Never mind the reasons. It's just bad press. They won't do it.

DROP THE MARION TRADE. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

Anonymous

Sept. 21, 2007 8:34 a.m.

LA also has cancer specailist to treat Derek Fisher daughter's condition, not
just NY. He also considered Cleveland, and a few other cities as well as LA, so
get your facts correct before speaking. Also, neither Fisher or AK were
starters. You do know you Utah Jazz, don't you?

LB

Sept. 21, 2007 8:33 a.m.

Urban Meyer???!!! He's a self-serving, egomaniac!!!He took an extremely
talented team he didn't recruit and raised himself to national aclaim. Then he
jumped ship! He took a better deal for his own ego and bank account and said,
"To heck with the UofU! He goes to another talent laden team, again that he
didn't recruit, and heightens his own stature once more. UM doesn't have the
decency to live up to his word. He'll jump from Florida as soon as an other
school (or probably the NFL) makes him a bigger offer! Worhip UM???!!! Give me a
break!!!

Re: JF

Sept. 21, 2007 8:31 a.m.

How many championships has Don Nelson won? Lenny Wilkens? People think they're
pretty great. But I guess Sloan is a lousy coach who coached two hall-of-famers
and got to two NBA finals - losing to the record-breaking Bulls.

As
far as putting myself in AK's position, I would take a look into myself and live
up to my contractual obligations instead of thinking of how the grass is greener
everywhere else. Perhaps the love of the game and an appreciation for winning
would be enough to motivate me.

Novel Idea

Sept. 21, 2007 8:26 a.m.

I'm not a contact genius but it seems to me that if AK really wants out then the
Jazz should find someone to trade for (ignore contract amounts)and then
restructure AK's contract to be within 10% of that persons contract and make the
trade. If AK wants out, forcing him to stay will be poison for the team's
attitude. Farwell AK, best of luck elsewhere.

Waffle man

Sept. 21, 2007 8:26 a.m.

I want to do what I enjoy doing, and I think the emotions that I experienced
with the national side are worth going back to Russia and playing there for
Russian supporters.

I spoke to Utah general manager Kevin OConnor
ahead of European Championships kick-off so Russias victory has not influenced
my decision in any way.

Sound a little contradictory?

Swing kids

Sept. 21, 2007 8:24 a.m.

Yeah, that makes sense. AK wants out, so instantly Sloan is to blame. If
players don't feel motivated by Sloan's coaching, then they need to look within
themselves and get their own motivation. Sloan isn't paid to be a counselor,
he's paid to be a coach. MAN UP.

As a side note, AK WOULDN'T BE
WHERE HE IS WITHOUT THE JAZZ. Remember when he had an all-star season? I
didn't hear people giving Sloan any credit for getting AK there. But Sloan gets
blamed when AK whining his way through the offseason. THE COACH ALWAYS TAKES
THE HEAT, and rarely gets credit.

AK doesn't deserve to be called AK
47 any more. Perhaps he should be called AK 22, or AK pellet gun. Or we could
just call him AK Adam Keefe.

JF

Sept. 21, 2007 8:22 a.m.

Go Andrei. To those who continue to argue that Jerry only had one losing season
then explain why he could not win at least one championship with two hall of
famer. Sloan is so predictable and it showed when Jordan stool the ball from
Malone in the last minute in the play off game. Poor argument. By the way the
jazz got to the western conference final because Andrei shut down GS offense.
Plus, stop worrying about D-Will. He will not be in the jazz uniform when the
time come. Do you think he likes Sloan more than Andrei like Sloan?

Put yourself in his position. How would you feel about running up and down the
court for 30-40 minutes and not being involve in the game. Pretty lame, he is
already doing that in practice. The money is nice but you also got to enjoy what
you do or else find something else and that is what he exactly doing.

You Only Live Once

Sept. 21, 2007 8:19 a.m.

I don't blame AK for wanting to play to the best of his abilities in a system
that will allow that. I do fault him for the way he's going about it. Was he
so anti-Sloan when he signed that huge contract?

The truth is that
he's frustrated because he can't play to his strengths here. If he stays here
he is bound to fade into nothingness, nobody wants that.

We as fans
have to face the fact that, stay or go, Andre will never play like AK47 again
here in Utah.

The best thing that could happen for everyone would be
for Andre to be released from his contract and go to Russia. It would free up
time and money for other players who can fit in Utah's game.

Ron

Sept. 21, 2007 8:16 a.m.

I live in Norway and had a chance to watch the European Final live on TV. Pretty
high drama and pretty satisfying to see AK in the middle of it. If he wants to
go home and play for something more than just money (e.g. people who love
him...), who is anyone to argue? This guy does not take breaks in the offseason.
When he's not with the Jazz, he's playing in Europe. That's asking for burnout,
something 63 million dollars won't fix. Better for him to play for less money
and less pressure in front a much more friendly crowd. As a Jazz fan I'd be sad
to lose him, but happy for him anyway. I also happen to think he's overpriced,
so the cap space wouldn't hurt. I say best of luck!

What PR Issues?

Sept. 21, 2007 8:13 a.m.

Since when is 2 names a long list of players who don't want to play in Utah. In
comparison, every one of the Jazz draft picks this year told their agents Utah
was their first choice. Deron struggled under Sloan his first year and what did
his Illinois coach tell him???? Learn from Sloan. He stuck with it and look at
him now. AK is just mad that the team doesn't revolve around him anymore.
Funny story, 3 years ago the Jazz practically begged him to be the team leader
and he wouldn't do it. Now he's mad because Boozer and Williams are the team
leaders. Grow up Andrei!

Confused

Sept. 21, 2007 8:13 a.m.

From the time he came into the league Andrei has been an exciting player. His
energy and enthusiasm has been a pleasure to observe. But can anyone deny
cringing a bit everytime AK touched the ball on offense? Each time I worried
about the results. He might make a fantastic play but he also might shoot a wild
shot or drive the lane completely out of control. If you weere the coach would
you call more plays for such an unpredicatable performer? I wouldn't. I think
Andrei is in the position he is in because of himself. He has done nothing to
improve his offense and he seems to have failed to realize that his greatest
skill is on defense. Great defenseive players become all-stars also. Andrei
seems to be indicating that this is not what brings him satisfaction but it's
what the Jazz need from him. IF the two sides cannot agree on this then he needs
to move on. Sometimes the best people have relationships that don't work.

Big Baby

Sept. 21, 2007 8:11 a.m.

AK is a selfish brat. I can't think of the last time that I ever heard a player
who just went to the Conference Finals complain about his role on the team.
What a whiner. Even Kobe, or Karl when they were complaining about things with
their team, its because the team wasn't competing and making it deep into the
playoffs.

AK's team just went to the playoffs for the first time in
many years, and why is that? Because there are better offensive players on the
Jazz now, and AK is not the #1 go to guy anymore. Great! Now they are a
playoff contender, and the fans are loving it, and everybody is happy except
who????? AK!!! YOU BIG BABY, shut up and think about the team instead of your
own selfish ego!!!

Jazz Man

Sept. 21, 2007 8:10 a.m.

Sloan does a great job and will be in the Hall of Fame someday. It is sad that
people criticize the best coach in the NBA, and he is one of the last coaches
that is still in charge of the team. Sloan has only one losing season what
other coaches can say that?

WisestSage

Sept. 21, 2007 8:07 a.m.

If Urban Meyer was the coach the Jazz would win back-to-back and AK would be an
all-star. In addition, my fine virtual friends, Miller would become a General
Authority and O'Connor the Ambassador to Russia.

So, while Sloan is a
fantastic coach, let's face the music and realize that he will never be Urban
Meyer--no one else can reach those lofty heights.

WildWilly

Sept. 21, 2007 7:51 a.m.

I'll throw another thought into this little brew of opinions. I think that when
AK was named to the All-star team, he thought it was for forever, all hail AK
the All-star. I also think that, for the most part, the enormous salries that
these guys get give them an inflated view of their own worth. They are people
who can play a GAME well. None of them are rocket scientists, I doubt that any
of them will leave behind any discovery that will change the world; they are
playing a game. All of them signed a contract wherein they promised to give
their all for the team paying them. My Master Sergeant dad would have said,
"Soldier, shut up and soldier." Good advice for all pro players, I think. They
made their deal; now deliver.

Serious PR Issues

Sept. 21, 2007 7:47 a.m.

The Jazz are in a world of hurt.

The long list of players that don't
want to play in Utah is longer.

First D-Fish.

Now AK47.

It's so bad that players will give up the chance to win and big
money.

Ugly.

Memo to LHM: "Do something about this
because it's only going to get worse."

AK: Ultimate Selfish Baby

Sept. 21, 2007 7:40 a.m.

AK:

"I don't care about winning"

"All I care about is
leading the team in scoring"

"Screw the team that helped make reach
financial independence"

"If I say it publicly, then I can get out of
this the easy way instead of being a man and dealing with this internally"

AK is immature and selfish. I hope the Jazz do everything possible to
hurt his career. Make it impossible for him to play in Russia or anywhere.

SICK OF THIS FROM PRO ATHELETES.

justme

Sept. 21, 2007 7:32 a.m.

Of course A.K. did well in Russia against inferior talent. Don't get me wrong, I
like him when he's contributing to the team by rebounding, playing defense, and
showing some hussle. His game started suffering when he decided to become
a scorer instead of just letting the points come to him. His jump/set shot was
among the ugliest in the civilized world last year. Why can'y he just gain
satisfaction in being a key member of a good team?Sloan is not going to
baby an of these grown men. He expects them to work hard every night as part of
a team effort. If their feelings get hurt once in a while, they need to bounce
back, and realized that life (regardless of your income) is full of frustrations
that we need to work through, not cry about. Too many athletes are constantly
told how great they are by people around them, so when they don't get their way
it's really a shock to their system. I don't think Sloan is perfect, but I slao
don't think he's asking for more than your boss or my boss is asking from us
when we go to work.

labeau

Sept. 21, 2007 7:28 a.m.

For the guys posting in favor of AK, I doubt you have ever played sports.Fisher was a hasbeen, and you will see it in lakerland. Fisher didn't want to
be in SLC. Let see SOC in the winter or SLC? Easy.AK was whining about his
money threes ago, now he wants to walk, so start walking.Paul was going to
take his minutes anyway.It's a job folks, and you can be replaced
anytime.Some of you may want to try working for a living instead of living
off your parents, and you'll know what I mean.

Jimmy's Sneakers

Sept. 21, 2007 7:28 a.m.

AK is right you know, he doesn't really fit in here anymore, Jimmy can't really
hate on him for that. He is a 4 forced to play the 3. We should have traded
him to GS for Jason Richardson while we had the chance.

Jimmy thinks
we should still try to trade him and however many #1 picks to the Nets for
Richard Jefferson. RJeff is the type of 3 that we need to compliment DWill and
Boozer and AK would be a great 4 playing with Kidd and Vinsanity.

If that doesn't work maybe we can convince The Bobcats to take AK for the
recently re-sigend Gerald Wallace.

Unhappy Season Ticket Holder

Sept. 21, 2007 7:27 a.m.

I'm a season ticket holder.

I originally renewed tickets after
Stock/Mail left purely to watch AK47 play. He was exciting and had a refreshing
attitude- a pure love of the game really showed through.

Then his
demands for max money killed everything.

Sloan's stubborn attitude
didn't help.

AK's actions show that he has ZERO loyalty to the Jazz
and doesn't care what happens to them. It is unbelievably selfish. His public
comments have made it impossible for the Jazz to do anything and save any shred
of dignity.

AK was once the bright, shining hope for the Jazz and
even the NBA. No he is a Jazz killer.

SLoan, AK and the Jazz are
all partly to blame.

As a season ticket holder, I believe the Jazz
owe us more than "no comment" or "this is purely an internal matter". We're
sick of that.

BooHooHoo

Sept. 21, 2007 7:19 a.m.

The Jazz stink and will NEVER win it all. I am happy they are in this
situation. Thanks Sloan. Cry some more, please. I love it!!!!

Jazz Fan

Sept. 21, 2007 7:15 a.m.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Jerry, Larry, or Kevin. The problem lies
with the players. Kevin O'Connor has done a great job at bringing in the kind of
players we need to win a championship; ie Boozer and Williams. Jerry is still
the same Jerry who took the Jazz to 2 straight NBA Finals where who lost the
ring for us? The players. The players are the ones who choke when the games is
on the line. I understand that Jordan was a great player, but how do you let a
flu-worn player score 45 points on you? The majority of the players in the
league are overpaid crybabies. We even have some here in Utah. They need to
quit crying about minutes, touches or whatever, and just go out and play the
game. Jerry's system works if people just play in the system. They are all
getting paid really good money to play a GAME. The least they could do is go
out and play their best game every night and give us what they are getting paid
for. To go out and win games.

Mike

Sept. 21, 2007 6:47 a.m.

Sloan is no motivator,no young players coach. He has said himself, he is paid
to coach, players are paid well to play and should motivate themselves. His
motivational skills involve opening his mouth to the press in the wrong ways too
much, bringing up huge salaries, etc. He doesn't help to install confidence in
his players by high praise, I think because he feels if he does the player may
take it for granted and let down. A great coach is a great motivator. Maybe
the Jazz's requirements in a coach does not require a motivator in their
coaching position here. Sloan a great coach, hmmmm, what is his record without
Malone and Stockton. hmmmm. I talked to a cousin of a Jazz player who left
here, he is still playing, but I will not mention his name. I asked how he
liked coach Sloan, I was told he hated him, and that it took him a year to get
his confidence back. IF MORRIS ALMOND, a pure shooter, doesn't shoot well this
year, you might give Sloan some credit for it and also some credit for other NBA
players not wanting to play here, not just Utah itself.

Doug

Sept. 21, 2007 6:36 a.m.

Sloan is recognized as one of the greatest coaches ever, you say? When was
Sloan voted the Coach of the Year?

Me in your house

Sept. 21, 2007 6:31 a.m.

So Andrei, if you aren't coming back, can I have your house? Please call me at
(801) I-WANT-IT. Thanks bro. By the way, my wife might be looking to get an
upscale clothing store. Any ideas?

Anonymous

Sept. 21, 2007 6:24 a.m.

Can we still pull a AK trade for Marion?? That would be the only way to break
even on this one.

Happy Fan

Sept. 21, 2007 6:13 a.m.

Good deal. I really hope AK walks away. That leaves more minutes for Brewer
and Millsap at the 3, which clears the logjam at the 2 a little, allowing Almond
to play. All 3 are going to be good players who need minutes--most especially
Millsap. That kid deserves 30 mins a game, which he won't get if AK is here.
And now cap space has been cleared to get a shot blocker next year and to
re-sign DWill and Sap. Jazz are going to be very good for a very long time.

Blanche

Sept. 21, 2007 5:26 a.m.

Kirilenko just wants OUT! So, let him go. Hardly anyone wants to play for Utah
and Sloan as it is. Coach Sloan has few people skills, he's never made coach of
the year and if he has such great skills why not? He doesn't seem to be very
popular. Larry MIller thinks nothing of squawking about team play. Although he
should be happy where the team finally wound up last season. The only constant
in Utah are the numerous die hard fans like me.

wow ak.."LARRY JERRY MOconnor"

Sept. 21, 2007 5:22 a.m.

wow...you guys who are blaming this on sloan miller and oconnor are rediculous.
Apparently you don't know much about basketball or you'd know that we wouldn't
be anywhere without them. It doesn't take a genious to know that AK's pathetic
and needs to get out of here if he can't accept his role with our team.

lost in DC

Sept. 21, 2007 4:31 a.m.

If AK47 is discontented, let him go before he poisons Fesenko. I enjoy AK, and
he appears to be a personable guy and a good man, but we need the cap space for
D-will.

As for the anti-Sloans. He's had one losing season, marred
by extensive injuries, otherwise he's got the most out of the least, as long as
they have been willing to give it. I'm glad Miller has his back and the Jazz
aren't an out-of-control franchise where multi-millionaire babies and their
corrupt agents are in charge. I think Sloan said it best - if he did everything
the fans wanted him to, he'd soon be sitting with them instead of in the head
coach's chair.

Justin

Sept. 21, 2007 2:14 a.m.

To continue since I was out of words, Kevin, Larry and Jerry brought the premier
young point guard in the NBA to the Jazz. They brought Carlos Boozer, who most
people thought got too big of a contract (now he is one of the best PFs in the
game). They brought Memo and had the foresight to know the Pistons' backup
center had a lot more in him than he was able to show. They kept Harpring.
They drafted Almond, as almost every fan wanted. Kevin O'Connor was voted as
the 2nd best Executive, or whatever his position is, in the country by the AP
voters. Jerry Sloan is recognized as one of the greatest coaches ever. Larry
Miller is a passionate owner who actually cares about his teams and wants them
to win, unlike several other owners. There are too few passionate owners left
out there. IMO, Miller is one of them, and that's a good thing. I'd rather
have a passionate owner who might make a stupid remark here or there or do
something stupid every now and then than an owner who buys a team and lets it
rake in the money without caring.

Justin

Sept. 21, 2007 2:05 a.m.

Walking away, Fisher said he wanted to go to a city where he could have better
care for his daughter. Not specifically NYC. I'm not saying he didn't want to
leave the Jazz, but I'm personally not willing to accuse him of exploiting his
daughter's life threatening illness as a means to leave Utah.

Kirilenko never said anything about throwing away 63 million to play anywhere.
If he went to an NBA team he would be getting the 63 million still unless there
was a special provision. Of course if he went to another country (he only said
Russia, by the way-and I believe that would be the only country he would go to)
he would be getting less, but that's understandable seeing as how his wife is a
major star over there and he's already made more money than most people in the
US, let alone Russia, will ever imagine making. It's understandable that he
would want to go back to Russia, as it is his home. I want him to honorably
play as his contract requires and if he did what Sloan says I think he'd greatly
improve. I'm just saying don't put words in his mouth.

One eyed conniving Ivan

Sept. 21, 2007 1:43 a.m.

Sloan is good coach

Sloan is poor motivator

Sloan is good
tractor mechanic

Sloan is poor game time coach, substitues by clock
not by situation

Sloan sends players to D-league for mistake that
instruction would correct

Thank you for sending Andre home. Please
send Fessenko home soon. My guess is two years.

LARRY JERRY and MO'connor

Sept. 21, 2007 1:35 a.m.

You guys better get your act together. Players are leaving millions on the
table to escape. We are signing guys named Jason when we had Dee. We sent our
best big man to Russia and now our highest paid player is going to go join him.
And what do we get in return?

Humiliation. No one will ever want to
come play for sloan again. He's being exposed. Just wait for man in the middle
part two to come out with guest authors AK-47(little russian) D-fish and
Memo.

Walking away from Millions

Sept. 21, 2007 1:18 a.m.

It must be pretty bad being one of Jerry's kids

right after going to
the western conference finals Derek Fisher wanted to be closer to a hospital
which could care for his daughter. That hospital is in NYC. So Fish walked
away from millions to get where? L.A.?? Wrong direction.

Now Linx
wants to throw away 63 million dollars to play anywhere. Portland, Charolott,
Poland, Siberia anywhere but with Jerry's kids.

Way to go Kevin
Larry and Jerry. You have managed to loose 2 of your starting five from last
year for nothing. And who did we add? Jason Fart???

Vlademere

Sept. 21, 2007 12:53 a.m.

So Linx just wants to go back to Russia eh? Well I guess we will get nothing
for him. Just cap space to spend on the free agent players willing to play
under Sloan and in Utah (which aren't many)

I guess AK opted not to
use this years free pass on one of Russia's finest. Instead he used his
allowance on Miller, the Jazz and ultimately on us. No thanks AK, your not my
type.